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Crews were dispatched to 781 Warburton Ave. in Yonkers at approximately 8:40 p.m. on Wednesday, June 19, when flames broke out in the first building affected, Deputy Fire Chief Daniel Flynn said. In total, 55 firefighters responded to the scene, with additional relief crews called in for assistance.
Flynn said that upon arrival, crews found that the fire had spread throughout the building, and the rear walls of the building collapsed, leading to the mudslide onto Metro-North tracks down the hill near the structure.
The fire spread to the second floor of two adjacent buildings, Flynn said, which also suffered “severe fire damage.” The blaze was declared “under control” shortly after 11:30 p.m.
Fire units were on the scene through early on Thursday, June 20. In total, 10 firefighters were treated for minor injuries at local hospitals, and all occupants were able to safely evacuate the building. No civilian injuries were reported, Flynn said, and 12 families were displaced and are being assisted by the Yonkers Office of Emergency Management and the Red Cross.
The fire led to flooding on nearby Metro-North train tracks, leading delays for riders on the Hudson Line of up to 45 minutes. The Metro-North Fire Department also responded to the scene.
The cause of the fire is under investigation. The city’s Building Department is expected to evaluate the stability of the buildings on Thursday morning.
This continues to be a developing story. Check back to Daily Voice for updates.
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